Europe is currently faced with a dilemma in its energy policy. While sanctions against Moscow have ended supplies from Russia, the EU and many member states are transitioning to more green energy sources. Given the current uncertainty facing the continent, a stronger energy partnership with Kyiv may be just the remedy.

With the start of Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine, one of the main problems on the mind of every European became the insecurity and instability around energy supply. In a race to diversify their sources of supply, countries who are dependent on Russian energy began to explore options that had been previously avoided. As European countries struggle to cut ties with their unstable Eastern partner, Romania is increasingly seen as a future European energy hub.

The interdependence between Russia and Germany has also created geopolitical and security concerns for the EU. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Germany needs to now understand that domestic and European energy security are intertwined. There are several measures that Germany can adopt in order to address this energy security dilemma in the short and long term, taking into account geopolitical circumstances at the EU level.

Three days into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced a Zeitenwende – a turning point in the history of East-West relations. His speech in the Bundestag was meant to mark a generational change in German foreign policy towards Russia. When Chancellor Scholz declared that Germany would, in a gradual process, dramatically reduce its dependence on Russian energy supplies, it launched a debate among German policymakers that has reverberated across Europe. While the goal is apparent, to extricate Germany from Russian energy dependence with minimal economic trauma, there is still no consensus on how to achieve this.

Europe’s energy dependency has become a key topic of debate ever since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February. With autumn fast approaching, the continent is now faced with the prospect of Moscow using its abundant resources as a weapon. Decision makers must now act to head off the worst of the potential consequences.

Green issues are usually not the first thing that comes to mind regarding Georgian politics. Despite this, the signing of a recent treaty shows that the country is starting to take climate change seriously. Tbilisi must subsequently make sure that such promises now result in real change.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has directly threatened the operation and future of the country’s energy industry. Despite this, the ongoing challenges faced by the sector and opportunities that opened up may make it more resilient and adaptable in the long run.

Belarus’s new Astravets Nuclear Power Plant is set to begin operations next year. Many have already raised concerns regarding the plant’s safety and its potential geopolitical effects. Going beyond the ominous headlines and pessimistic outlooks, we look into what to expect from this latest development.

The energy market in Europe is undergoing large scale changes. Taking a closer look at the gas sector, it becomes clear that a number of new factors will play a role in shaping its future.

With the Croatian EU presidency, attention will be diverted towards the Western Balkans, where Russia is testing the EU’s commitment and resolve.

Germany’s proceedings around Nord Stream 2 will not only hurt this country, but also European common policy as a whole from a security point of view. Additionally, they are undermining Germany’s already-fragile position as the European mediator and dealmaker.

In this episode of the podcast In Between Europe, the hosts Zselyke Csaky and Gergely Romsics tackle the important question of energy security in the Central European region.

Bulgaria's strategic location makes it a great hub for passing along natural gas to the rest of Europe. In case of trouble and limited supply it would also be the first to pay a heavy price.